12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.[b]” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you,[c] but you will not always have me.”
9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him – John 12
Verse 7 is where I would like to focus our devotion today. Judas, Christ’ betrayer, was not fond of using such high priced oil in a seemingly frivolous manner. Jesus confronts him with these words, “you will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
This event occurred during the end of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus has been journeying through the region teaching miraculous truths and healing all sorts of people. A large portion of Jesus’ teaching encouraged the disciples to lift up the poor. I would even go as far to say that Jesus encouraged His disciples to invest heavily in the poor.
So Judas’ response was not completely unfounded. His heart (as we now know) was not in the right place. Jesus rebukes him. By doing so, Jesus metaphorically is asking Judas “do you value your time with me?”
Judas did not seem to understand the gravity of the coming crucifixion. He definitely did not understand what life would be like after Jesus left. We know this because Judas was the person who turned Jesus in.
Mary did understand though. Mary understood that time with Jesus is precious. Mary understood that the commotion that would happen in Jerusalem would potentially end her closeness with Jesus. So she elected to spend a years wage on oil to anoint him.
Do you relate more to Judas or Mary in this story? Do you stop to read these devotional or pray with a joyful heart? Or do you read them quickly and abruptly? Do you value your moments with Jesus or is your mind preoccupied with what other tasks you should be completing?
These are challenging but important questions. In the coming months we will all begin to return to our busy lives. Will you look back on this time feeling more like Judas or Mary? Cherish this time with the Lord.
Pastor Mat